When I spend time on weekends reading Proverbs, I can’t help noticing that many of them make positive references to growing older. Proverbs 16:31, for example, tells us, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life” (NLT). Other proverbs advise younger people to listen carefully and honor their elders’ advice.
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of passing on wisdom and learned experience to future generations. I was recently privileged to chat with Robb Dunham of 3 Generations Ministries, whom I met at the Assemblies of God Senior Adult Ministries Conference, and to write an article about the importance of grandparents in children’s lives and grandparenting ministry in the local church.
Researching that topic led to thinking about how my own life has been impacted by the wisdom of parents and grandparents, both in spiritual and practical ways. I saw my dad model daily Bible reading, prayer and faithfulness even when things weren’t easy. Grandpa Jim said to “eat an egg every day, two if you can afford them.” Decades before packaged electrolyte blends, my uncle taught me watermelon with salt on it was a good snack when you were sweating.
As I have researched, thought and wrote, I have realized anew that it’s a privilege and a responsibility not only to support my adult children in their parenting but also to be actively invested in the lives of my grandchildren, passing on things I’ve learned. One way I believe I have grown spiritually as I’ve grown older, and hope to teach the grandkids, is in the area of compassion. The longer we live, the more tough stuff we see and experience, and the more understanding we can show others. The Apostle Paul speaks to that concept in 2 Corinthians 1:4, saying God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (NIV).
I didn’t understand how people felt going through cancer—until I had cancer. Now, I get it; I pray; I ask God to show me what to say and when. (Trust me, there are better and worse times to unload on someone about dietary changes or that supplement you sell.) I have “rolled my eyes out loud” at behaviors characteristic of rural poverty—until my husband spent years teaching in that context, and I began to understand the spiritual and emotional hold it can have on families. Now I support organizations that truly address root causes and make a difference.
The list goes on. Losing a sibling has helped me bond more compassionately in prayer with others experiencing that loss. Reaping consequences of an ill-timed financial misstep helps me sympathize with others who make a bad choice. You get the idea.
There’s a saying, “You can let hard times make you bitter, or make you better.” My prayer is that I allow my years to continue to add more understanding and compassion.
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